Style is such an interesting thing. I feel like I have a pretty strong handle on my own aesthetic, which I usually describe as a modern take on Traditional style. It is rooted in the classic, but executed through a fresh, modern lens. Meaning, I’ll base a space around a very classic foundation, but mix things up with both modern and traditional pieces and interesting, unexpected details. That said, sometimes, I feel like I have design ADD because I am attracted to so many things! Every project I work on has a distinct look and once I get into the zone, it all comes together very naturally, however, in the wilderness of magazines, Pinterest, and movie sets, my eye is drawn to many different styles. I guess it is only natural as there are so many ways to interpret beauty.

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As much as I love a crisp, clean, modern interior, I have a feeling the madness for all things modern that has reigned supreme for the last five or so years is calming down a bit. I predict that in 2018, traditional, classic style will be back in the mainstream in a very big way. Of course these things have never gone away– they are classic and timeless after all, but I have a feeling that more and more people will embrace design elements like rich color palettes, Chinoiserie accents, brown furniture such as English antiques; crusty, old gilded antiques from France, and beautiful, old rugs come 2018. I couldn’t be more excited about it because these are the things that make my heart sing! My own interpretation features a bit of restraint and isn’t as pattern driven as some of the truly traditional interiors that I love, but I can still admire their beauty.

The new issue of Architectural Digest features a fabulous home in San Francisco that Miles Redd decorated for a young family with small children. I love that the house itself has the traditional, formal architecture you would expect to find in old school San Francisco neighborhoods like Pacific Heights, yet it is evident that a young family really lives here. The early 1900s house was renovated by architect Gil Schafer and is decked out in the traditional, layered goodness that has become Miles’ signature and that harkens back to the grand, old nineteen eighties when the best decorators of the day dreamed in chintz.

The story serves as a wonderful reminder that while this type of decorating may seem formal or fancy, it’s actually the friendliest for young families! There is nothing more forgiving for a family with young children and pets than an old Oriental rug. Antiques have stood the test of time for centuries in some cases, so not only are they green, but they are as durable as you could hope for, and printed fabrics can hide stains while sumptuous velvets only get better with age. What do you think? Do you agree that the future of design is in looking back to the past?

Thank you, Architectural Digest and Miles for the inspiration and reminder that houses are meant to be beautiful, joyous, and truly lived in!